Natalie van Breukelen

Natalie van Breukelen serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Loyola University Maryland, where she teaches Foundations courses and Animal Behavior. Holding a doctorate in Integrative Biology from Lehigh University, she has extensive teaching experience since 2008 across multiple undergraduate institutions and international settings including Costa Rica and Australia.

Education

• Ph.D. in Integrative Biology, Lehigh University

Research Focus: Dr. van Breukelen employs an integrative approach to study reproductive behavior across fish species, examining evolutionary, ecological, environmental, and physiological influences on parental care, courtship, and territoriality. Her methodology combines laboratory experiments with field research conducted in Costa Rica and Texas ecosystems.

Mentorship Approach: She prioritizes undergraduate research mentorship, creating immersive laboratory and field experiences that empower students to engage deeply with biological concepts and assume ownership of their scientific development. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes active learning and evidence-based pedagogical strategies to cultivate student appreciation for biological sciences.

Field Operations: Research activities span both controlled laboratory environments and natural habitats in Costa Rica and Texas, where behavioral observations occur in ecologically relevant contexts.